Spanish Majors and Minors

Requirements for Major in Spanish

A minimum of eight units at the 201-level or higher, including: 301, at least two units from 302 through 315, and at least two units from 350 through 402. Courses taken abroad may fulfill part of these requirements. (See detailed description of requirements for major at beginning of Modern Languages and Cultures section.)

A maximum of one unit of Advanced Placement credit can count toward the major.

All courses for the major must be taken for a numerical grade.

Residence in language-learning housing for at least one semester and successful completion of Modern Languages and Cultures 110.

Off-campus study in an approved study abroad program is highly recommended for this major. If individual situations prevent this, it is recommended that the student speak with the department chair.

Requirements for Minor in Spanish

A minimum of six units at the 201-level or higher, including: 301, at least one unit from 302 through 315, and at least one unit from 350 through 402.

A maximum of one unit of Advanced Placement credit can count toward the minor.

All courses for the minor must be taken for a numerical grade.

Residence in language-learning housing for at least one semester and successful completion of Modern Languages and Cultures 110.

All minors are encouraged to study abroad in an approved off-campus program.

Requirements for Major in Spanish Language and Culture for the Professions

As the world continues to become increasingly diverse across traditional borders and cultural boundaries, there will be more demand in the workplace and for communities to effectively negotiate otherness--different ways of living lives--which will directly impact professional practices.

Knowledge of a modern language and culture will continue to grow in importance as a foundation for functioning successfully in a global economy across many professions. This track in Spanish is intended for those students who are pursuing preprofessional studies in fields such as economics and management, communication studies, science or public policy, among others, or for those students who are pursuing more traditional liberal arts fields and wish to add a practical component to their education. This track will provide a combination of preprofessional courses in the target language and cultural courses in order to prepare students for working in a culturally diverse world and economy. Students will be expected to attain high linguistic competence.

Qualified students may choose a “fast track” language program at an approved summer institution domestically or language/internship program abroad during the summer after their freshman year. To qualify for this special program a student must complete an interview to be conducted by the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures. For information about College policies on transfer credit, see the section of this catalog entitled General Academic Regulations.

The specific requirements for the major are:

A minimum of nine units, including: Modern Languages and Cultures 105; Spanish 201, 202, 301, or equivalent; Spanish 303; a seminar (Spanish 401, 1/2 unit); and the remaining units selected from 300- or 400-level Spanish courses. The seminar must be taken after all other requirements have been met or in the final semester of completion of the major requirements.

An internship abroad or a documented internship-like experience abroad that has been approved by the MLAC Department.

A maximum of one unit of Advanced Placement credit can count toward the major.

Residence in language-learning housing for at least one semester and successful completion of Modern Languages and Cultures 110.

Requirements for Minor in Spanish Language and Culture for the Professions

A minimum of six units, including: Modern Languages and Cultures 105 or another Spanish course above 303; Spanish 201, 202, 301 or equivalent; Spanish 303; and the remaining units selected from 300- or 400-level Spanish courses.

An internship abroad or a documented internship-like experience abroad that has been approved by the MLAC Department.

A maximum of one unit Advanced Placement credit can count toward the minor.

Residence in language-learning housing for at least one semester and successful completion of Modern Languages and Cultures 110.

Requirements for Major in TransAmerican Latino/a Studies

Contemporary North and South America have been and continue to be defined by the movement of people immigrating, migrating and transmigrating. As the United States continues to be impacted by the growing demographic, cultural, political and economic presence of Spanish-speaking communities, we face an increased demand to understand the dynamic cultural exchange between the northern and southern hemispheres of the Americas.

The TransAmerican Latino/a studies track is an interdisciplinary opportunity intended for students who seek to be proficient in the Spanish language, while acquiring an understanding of Chicano/a, U.S. Latino/a, Latin American and Caribbean identities. This program is designed to enable students in many fields (anthropology, business, communications, economics, education, health care, law, marketing, international relations, and political science, among others) to gain the linguistic competencies and the cultural aptitudes necessary to effectively work and develop productive ties in this rapidly changing world. By analyzing a broad array of Spanish-language cultural and literary productions, students will develop critical thinking skills in a second language. In addition to high linguistic competency, the TransAmerican Latino/a studies track provides an interdisciplinary perspective that may include courses in the fields of history, anthropology, sociology, English, political science and ethnic studies. This multifaceted approach to the cultures of the Americas and Spanish language will prepare students to engage in a lifelong dialogue on contemporary issues.

The specific requirements for the major are:

A minimum of nine units, including: Modern Languages and Cultures 107; Spanish 201, 202, 301, or equivalent; Spanish 306 or 307, 362; and a seminar (Spanish 401, 1/2 unit). The remaining units to complete the nine-unit requirement can be selected from Spanish 302, 303 or 304; 306 or 307; 315, 350, 361, 402 (provided the topic of the course deals with the Americas). The seminar must be taken after all other requirements have been met or in the final semester of completion of the major requirements.

Study abroad in an approved off-campus program in the Americas.

History 142, 270, or 301, or approved courses in anthropology and sociology, political science, English and ethnic studies may count toward the major with departmental permission.

A maximum of one unit of Advanced Placement credit can count toward the major.

All courses for the major must be taken for a numerical grade.

Residence in language-learning housing for at least one semester and successful completion of Modern Languages and Cultures 110.

Requirements for Minor in TransAmerican Latino/a Studies

A minimum of six units, including: Modern Languages and Cultures 107; Spanish 201, 202, 301 or equivalent; Spanish 362; a seminar (Spanish 401, 1/2 unit). The remaining units to complete the six-unit requirement can be selected from Spanish 302, 303, or 304; 306 or 307; 315, 350, 361, or 402 (provided the topic deals with the Americas). The seminar must be taken after all other requirements have been met or in the final semester of completion of the minor requirements.

Students are placed in the 200- or 300-level language courses according to proficiency. Students must fulfill the six-unit requirement beginning at the level into which they are placed.

History 142, 270, or 301, or approved courses in anthropology and sociology, political science, English and ethnic studies may count toward the minor with departmental permission.

A maximum of one unit Advanced Placement credit can count toward the minor.

All courses for the minor must be taken for a numerical grade.

Study abroad in an approved off-campus program in the Americas is recommended.

Residence in language-learning housing for at least one semester and successful completion of Modern Languages and Cultures 110.

Requirements for Major in Spanish with Secondary or K-12 Education Certification

A minimum of eight units at the 300-level or higher, including: 301; 302, 303, or 304; one unit from courses focusing on Latin America (306, 314, 361), one unit from courses focusing on TransAmerican Latino/a studies (307, 362); and one unit from courses focusing on Spain (305, 360). (See detailed description of requirements for major at beginning of Modern Languages and Cultures section.)

Study abroad in an approved off-campus program in the Spanish-speaking world.

Residence in language-learning housing for at least one semester and successful completion of Modern Languages and Cultures 110.

Completion of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages' Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) examination at an "Advanced Low" level of proficiency (or higher). Students should consult closely with the Modern Languages and Cultures Department and consider taking this examination directly after the study abroad experience.

All courses for the major must be taken for a numerical grade.

A maximum of one unit of Advanced Placement credit can count toward the major.

Requirements for Minor in Spanish with Secondary Education Certification

A minimum of six units at the 300-level or higher, including: 301; 302, 303, or 304; one unit from courses focusing on Latin America (306, 314, 361); one unit from courses focusing on TransAmerican Latino/a studies (307, 362); and one unit from courses focusing on Spain (305, 360). (See detailed description of requirements at beginning of Modern Languages and Cultures section.)

Residence in language-learning housing for at least one semester and successful completion of Modern Languages and Cultures 110.

Completion of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages' Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) examination at an "Advanced Low" level of proficiency (or higher). Students should consult closely with the Modern Languages and Cultures Department and consider taking this examination directly after the study abroad experience.

A maximum of one unit of Advanced Placement credit can count toward the minor.

All courses for the minor must be taken for a numerical grade.

Education 338 or 339.

Completion of all other requirements for teacher certification.

All minors are encouraged to study abroad for a semester in an approved off-campus program

Spanish Courses

Courses

For those students with previous experience in Spanish, a placement test will be used in order to determine the appropriate entry-level course. Only those students who have had no previous experience with Spanish may initially enroll in Spanish 101. In order to ensure classes of relatively equal skill levels, the professor reserves the right to reassign any student who does not seem appropriately qualified for the course in which he or she has enrolled.

101 Elementary Spanish (1) Introduces Spanish language and Hispanic culture through the contextualized study of grammatical concepts and vocabulary. Develops the four essential skills—reading, writing, listening and speaking—necessary for the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes of communication. Conducted in Spanish. Tutorials with teaching assistants are integrated into the course. Staff.

102 Elementary Spanish, continued (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 101, appropriate score on departmental placement test or permission of instructor. Continuation of Spanish 101. Expands vocabulary, grammar and cultural knowledge to enable a more informed interpretation and production of written and spoken communication in Spanish. Conducted in Spanish. Tutorials with teaching assistants are integrated into the course. Staff.

187, 188, 189 Selected Topics (1/4, 1/2, 1)An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.

202 Intermediate Spanish, continued (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 201 or permission of instructor. Continued review of language structure, with particular emphasis on developing conversational skills. Improves fluency through conversation and discussion of writing assignments and literary and cultural readings. Conducted in Spanish. Tutorials with teaching assistants are integrated into the course. Staff.

287, 288, 289 Selected Topics (1/4, 1/2, 1) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.

301 Advanced Oral and Written Expression (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 202, appropriate score on departmental placement test or permission of instructor. Development of communication skills in Spanish relative to grammar, syntax, appropriate registers, necessary vocabulary, non-verbal cues and culturally specific idiomatic usage. Also includes the processes of conversation development, thesis formation and strategies for argumentation operating within Hispanic cultural norms, as well as key contemporary issues of importance to the Spanish-speaking world. Conducted in Spanish. Tutorials with teaching assistants are integrated into the course. Staff.

302 Advanced Oral and Written Expression through Hispanic Film (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 301 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Development of communication skills in Spanish relative to grammar, syntax, appropriate registers, necessary vocabulary, non-verbal cues and culturally specific idiomatic usage. Also includes the processes of conversation development, thesis formation and strategies for argumentation operating within Hispanic cultural norms, as well as key contemporary issues of importance to the Spanish-speaking world. Improves fluency through the viewing, analysis and interpretation of Hispanic film. Conducted in Spanish. Tutorials with teaching assistants are integrated into the course. Staff.

303 Spanish for the Professions (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 301 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Designed for students who are interested in studying Spanish in the context of activities related to the professional world (business, health care, education, finance, law, social work, etc.). Emphasizes the specialized vocabulary of the professional world and requires a working knowledge of Spanish grammar. Includes topics ranging from specific professions, to generalized professional concerns, to translation. Conducted in Spanish. Staff.

304 Advanced Oral and Written Expression through Creative Writing (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 301 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Focus will vary, but may include the following: “Spanish/Latin American/ U.S. Latino Theatre,” “Spanish/Latin American/ U.S. Latino Short Story” and “Spanish/Latin American/ U.S. Latino Poetry.” Introduces the respective genre through readings of literary works and critical and theoretical studies. Includes development of a portfolio of creative writing projects produced individually and collaboratively. Conducted in Spanish. Oswald.

305 Multicultural Spain: Historical Perspectives and Current Issues (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 301 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Explores Spanish society as a dynamic multicultural construct—Spain’s changing role in the world; the intersection of Castilian, Galician, Andalusian, Catalan and Basque cultures; shifting demographics, etc.—through the study of historical and literary texts, media sources, and other pertinent cultural artifacts. Studies the historical dimensions of the social phenomena and the historical reasons for the contemporary social, political and cultural situation. Conducted in Spanish. Oswald.

306 South American Identities and Cultural Perspectives (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 301 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Examination of past, present and future struggles for identity and cultural perspective in South America, with a focus on the Southern Cone and Andes regions. Explores cultural artifacts such as music, visual arts, performance arts, literature, popular culture and folklore in South America from the pre-Columbian period to the twenty-first century. Conducted in Spanish. Staff.

307 Cultural Encounters: Caribbean, Mexico and Central America (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 301 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.Examines past, present and future struggles of cultural encounters and production in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. Explores cultural artifacts such as music, visual arts, performance arts, literature, popular culture and folklore from the legacy of the pre-Columbian period to the twenty-first century and considers this region’s growing interaction with the United States. Conducted in Spanish. Pérez Abreu.

314 Storytellers (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 301 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. An introduction to the workings of storytelling. Focuses on the short story as a genre to explore the different ways of narrating through key literary and cultural movements that have defined the Spanish-speaking world, including the oral and pre-Columbian traditions, romanticism, modernism and magical-realism. Conducted in Spanish. Staff.

315 Hispanic Studies: Textual Analysis and Interpretation (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 301 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. An introduction to the analysis, interpretation and appreciation of Hispanic literature and culture, focusing on a variety of cultural artifacts from the Spanish-speaking world (literature, painting, music, film, etc.). Special attention will be given to theoretical concerns. Conducted in Spanish. Staff.

350 Women in Hispanic Literature (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 314 or 315 or permission of instructor. Emphasizes careful reading and discussion of Hispanic prose, poetry and drama, with critical skills being applied particularly to the analysis of female characters and/or to the perspective of women authors. Writing assignments assess students’ comprehension of texts and ability to apply analytical skills within the context of a gender-based theoretical framework. Conducted in Spanish. Pérez Abreu.

360 Key Issues in Spanish Literature and Culture (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 305 or 314 or 315, or permission of instructor. Analysis of a special problem, topic, issue, phenomenon, period, author, genre or movement in Spanish literature and/or culture from its beginning to the present. Conducted in Spanish. Oswald.

361 Key Issues in Latin American Literature and Culture (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 306 or 314 or 315, or permission of instructor. Analysis of a special problem, topic, issue, phenomenon, period, author, genre or movement in Latin American literature and/or culture from its beginning to the present. Conducted in Spanish. Staff.

362 Key Issues in U.S. Latino/Chicano Literature and Culture (1) Expected level of proficiency: Spanish 307 or 314 or 315, or permission of instructor. Analysis of a special problem, topic, issue, phenomenon, period, author, genre or movement in U.S. Latino or Chicano literature and/or culture from its beginning to the present. Conducted in Spanish. Pérez Abreu.

387, 388, 389 Selected Topics (1/4, 1/2, 1) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.

411, 412 Directed Study (1/2, 1) Directed studies generally are reserved for those students who have schedule conflicts between two majors. They are also available for students pursuing honors theses. In specific cases, students may request directed studies that cover topics beyond the scope of the current curriculum. These students are expected to present their proposed plan of study to the instructor for approval well in advance of registration. Staff.

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